Dale County AlArchives News.....Post Civil War July 24 1985
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Christine Thacker CGT714@aol.com April 24, 2004, 4:07 pm
Southern Star
History Corner (Southern Star Wednesday, July 24 1985, pg 2 ?)
Post Civil War Conditions Recalled in Era When the Southern Star was Founded
By Creel Richardson
A BIRTHDAY FOR THE STAR
On July 24, 1867, Joseph A.Adams published his first issue of the The
Southern Star in Newton-County Seat of Dale.
During the two year interval since Appromattox in April 1865, the people of
Dale County had been attempting to make the necessary adjustments to cope with
a post Civil War society. Their problems ranged from the casualties of War, to
the economic, political, and social upheaval resulting from the War and the
freeing of the slaves.
Five hundred and eight families were suffering because of the casualties
inflicted upon the soldiers they had sent to the battlefield. One hundred and
ninety-five were killed in battle; three hundred and seventy-seven died of
sickness; and twenty-six were disabled-a total of 598
casualties.
A radical change in the labor structure, the weather, and a short time to
prepare and cuitivate a crop for that year. The direct outcome was a state of
destitution for many people in Dale County.
In December 1865 legislation was approved whereby Alabama agreed to assist
the Freedmen Bureau in the distribution of food the "Destitute Families of the
State."
In June, 1866, Judge Carmiael acknowledged the receipt of 500 rations per day
for the needy of Dale, but at the same time requested Governor Patton intercede
and allow our suffering poor 600 Rations per day the month of July!
In May, 1867, Dale County received 600 bushels of corn, 1250 pounds of
bacon 'furnished by the Baltimore Relief Assocition! This had followed 6
bushels of corn, and 1500 pounds of bacon supplied by the U.S Government
through the Freedmen's Bureau in March an April.
One of the great fears of the people of Dale County is the post Civil War era
was the threat of martial law or military rule. In September 1865, J.C.
Matthews and Ransom Deal, delegates from Dale to the 1865 Constitutional
Convention in Montgomery, reported to Provisional Governor, L.E. Parson?, that
two companies of militia would be needed for the protection of Dale County.
'Head-Quarters' for one would be Newton with P.W. Baily to command the
company; the other to be in Ozark with Needham Hughes to 'command.
Evidence has not been found to confirm the formation of these companies.
However, at least one squad of Federal soldiers was stationed at Newton in 1866,
Perhaps the most critical period of Dale County had its beginning in March,
1867, when Congress approved the Reconstruction Act. This law divided the South
into 5 military districts subject to martial law; and at the sametime 'required
Southern states to call new contitutional conventions, with the delegates to be
elected by universal manhood suffrage. Under this Act the Third Military
District composed of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, was established with
Headquarters in Atlanta, and commanded by Major General John
Pope.
General Pope's Order No. 20, dated May 21, 1867, outlined the procedures to
be followed for the registration of voters' in Georgia and Alabama. Boards of
Registration were appointed for each district,and were required to visit each
precinct in the district to register the voters. voters failed to meet the
Board during its visit, they were permitted to go to the county seat and
register.
In either case all 'voters' were to be listed by precincts. The registration
district for Southeast Alabama was composed of Henry. Dale, and Coffee Counties-
- with R.M. Johnson as Chairman of the Board. The right to register and vote
was guaranteed by the military authorities.
July and August were designated for registration in Dale County.
On Thursday, July 25, 1867, the day after he published his first issue of The
Southern Star, Mr. Adams appeared before the Board of Registration and
subscribed to the 'Test' or loyalty oath, and had his name entered on the list
of voters for Precinct 13-Newton. Others who took the oath and registered the
same day included Mr. Adams' Grandfather, W.H. Kirksey, Probate Judge Daniel
Carmichael, Attorney A.P. Wiggs, and Drs.H.J. Smisson. and James R. Heflin. By
August 10, John LeSpyne, Acting Chairman of the Board, reported that 2031 Dale
Countains-1669 whites and 362 colored-had subscribed to the oath and registered
to vote. Of the total 920 had cast their vote in the last 'election for
Governor.'
With this issue The Southern Star will be commemorating its 118 birthday.
Covering all but 43 years of Dale's 161 years, it is the oldest private
business enterprise in Dale County, and one that has been in the Adams famly
all of its 118 years.
Any who choose to read this issue of The Corner may get a brief glimpse of
events and conditions in Dale County 118 years ago when Joseph A. Adams began
his venture as Pubisher of The Southern Star.
Newspaper file of Harold Stephens.
Typed and submitted by Christine G. Thacker.
Permission to post any Southern Star article or pictures given by
Mr Joseph Adams, Owner, April.23, 2004.
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